GEOG 396 Field Methods

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Joy Wolf
TELEPHONE: 595-3221
EMAIL: wolf@uwp.edu
OFFICE: MOLN 247

This is a course for geography majors, environmental science minors, and other related majors past the sophomore level. The emphasis is on understanding vegetation patterns in a variety of habitats and quantifying biodiversity of native plant communities and those that are influenced by human activities. The course is a survey of field methods and the application of selected methods. Because of the level and ecological focus of this class, satisfactory writing and computer skills are expected of all students at the time the course begins. This course assumes that you have some experience with ecological and biogeography concepts, and an understanding information of methods of scientific inquiry.

Past Field Trip Photographs:   2001      2002    2003    2004    2005   2006

Related Links: Ephemeral Pond Project , Plants of Concern Monitoring, Cedarburg Bog, Lulu Lake
See schedule below for more.

CLASS STRUCTURE
Classroom times vary - check the time schedule. You will be responsible for meeting the class on time for each field trip. We will shift lectures and field trip time around to accommodate lightning or dangerous storms; otherwise, always prepare for the weather. For all field outings, bring rain gear and dress appropriate to weather and field conditions. Class may run over if we are in the middle of a field exercise. We will participate in a one to two night camping trip. For the camping trip, we will leave early and may not return until 6:00ish the last day. Please take notes in your journal while in the field.




MATERIALS NEEDED: (not including camping gear, etc.)
The first text is an introduction to methods and vegetation analysis. Other selected readings will be provided.
* Text: Kent, M. and P. Coker. 1994, Vegetation Description and Analysis. John Wiley & Sons
* Text: An Introduction to Tree Ring Dating, M. Stokes and T. Smiley
* Field books to identify flowers, grasses, trees in this region: Suggested books: Spring Flora of Wisconsin.
* Journal Book (and clipboard if needed).
* Camera - optional (You may include photos in your papers.)

GRADING SYSTEM
Presentation of project 15%
Daily Field Journal 10%
Assignments/Quizzes 45%
Attendance, Participation, Enthusiasm 5%
Writing effectiveness (grammar, etc) 15%
 

ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES
This course is designed with the expectation that all students will participate in all class meetings. Because this class is condensed and field trips cannot be made up, you will receive a grade of 0 for any day you miss. Do not be late or you will be left behind. No excuse from class will be made for employment purposes.

For all written work, I expect proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Research papers must be typed, double-spaced, and error free. Assignments may be neatly hand-written. Part of your final work will be evaluated based on completeness, neatness, and organization. Plagiarism or cheating from your classmates results in a grade of zero. You must do your own work!





PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS
You will present one of the projects that is assigned in class. Research the design, results, and present your interpretation based on the scientific method.

DAILY JOURNAL
In an attempt to help you organize your assignments and final project, you are required to keep a field journal where you will record field notes, observations, thoughts about your research project, drawings, and anything you feel is appropriate to your work and the class. I encourage you to take photographs, Include dates and times of your entries. Be Professional: this is your forum to be a naturalist and a field scientist!
 

                 End time subject to change if we are in the middle of an activity (likely no more than an hour).